Visit today to experience Silhouettereg motorized window shadings with the Signature S-vanetrade in person and to see other Hunter Douglas window coverings we have to offer We also have additional offerings to help you with your design needs including Tile Carpet Wood Flooring Drapes Bedcoverings Art Accessories Lighting and Furniture We also offer Interior Design Services including kitchen design and turn key remodeling

Jeri Garrett ASIDRegistered Interior Designer

Debbie BodeKitchen Design Specialist

3009 Padre BlvdSouth Padre Island TX

Monday - Saturday1000am - 600pm

956-761-7771cactusowerinteriorscomcactusowerhdspdcom

SUMMER 2010

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SUMMER 2010

Virginia Mill Works Cambridge Oak

ldquo THE FLOORS TRANSFORMED THE LOOK OF THE HOUSErdquo

SARAH C USTIN TXA

SUMMER 2010

Interiors by Cantoni

Atlanta 1011 Monroe Drive 4048818111Dallas 4800 Alpha Road 9729349191Houston 9889 Westheimer Road 7137879494Irvine 8650 Research Drive 9495859191Los Angeles 420 N La Brea Avenue 3236340909

cantonicom 8778819191

Great Design Is a Way of Life

Cantoni Italian Attitude

The Klee is a bold example of the craftsmanship that has made Italian furniture the ultimate in modern upholstery This straight lined sofa features the highest quality luxury leather available naturally oiled with edge to edge seams For Italian style in modern home furnishings for inspired design for a vast selection ndash in stock ndash delivery and installation Cantoni To see the complete collection of great interiors by the Cantoni Design Studio visit a showroom or cantonicomklee

$ SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

amp SPRING 2010

Letter from the Editor

TGIS Ole Deacutecorrsquos playful take on four other famous letters ldquoThank God Its Summerrdquo We love summertime in the valley Everyone is outside enjoying yards outdoor kitchens patios decks and especially pools In our yearly summertime favorite Spectacular Swimming Pools yoursquoll nd ideas to transform your backyard into an oasis As you will see it starts with a spectacular pool and nishes with incredible options for all the space surrounding the water Patio ideas shade treatments and true outdoor living areas should be included in any project and wersquove listed top notch companies that can keep you and your family outdoors day and night

Casa Remodel one of our most popular mainstay articles features a home in McAllen that has actually been transformed more than once It is a beautiful estate on the banks of a lake with a very eclectic design principle guiding it Touches of antiques the owners have collected from their travels combined with recycled Chicago brick and authentic old tin ceiling tiles mix harmoniously with hand hewn hardwood oors stained glass windows and accents custom built cabinetry and crystal lighting The home is immense however careful planning and design makes every room warm and comfortable The remodel was extensive and the master bedroom well just have a gander at our front cover

Home Theaters are a hot trend and they are not only for watching movies This room is becoming the modern day family den Integrated screens allow you to watch movies your favorite sporting event TV show or concert Some can even be hooked up to the internet for video conferencing With full bars kitchenettes and gaming tables theater rooms are multipurpose and enjoyed by everyone And what better way to cool o from a hot summer day than watching a great movie in a cool dark theater without ever having to leave home Our article will give you great advice on the steps to take when planning your own home theater

Finally and sometimes the best is saved for last our Fabulous Spaces Public Places features the Alhambra Restaurant and Hookah Bar The space is incredible The ambience brings you out of McAllen and into a far away Mediterranean land with hints of romance intrigue and adventure Crisp white linens ap in the breeze as they wrap around the walls and ceiling of your outside cabana Exotic scents ll the air and soft conversations are lifted through the courtyard We love this place so much when you visit look for us wersquoll probably be enjoying the atmosphere with a sprig of mint in our glasses

Cheers

Eddie and Sandra

Antiques ll the fall issue whether itrsquos a piece of furniture from North Carolina dating back to the 1800rsquos or a hand stamped copper lighting sconce from old Mexico antiques are making a huge comeback in todayrsquos deacutecor There are also replicas of antiques that look so authentic only a museum curator could tell the dierence Perhaps this trend has come alive because of the huge emphasis on remodeling homes that makes people want to not just restore their homes but restore once beautiful treasures Maybe itrsquos because of all the creative designers and decorators who have really honed their skills on combining old with new historical with modern or maybe itrsquos just because in this fast paced life we all lead a piece from history slows us down and forces us to reect on all that came before us Whatever the reason we are looking forward to hunting for our own treasure from the past and incorporating it into our home deacutecor

Luxury Living juxtaposes two very opposite styles in order to really emphasize two far ends of the spectrum Ultra modern in McAllen meets ultra Shabby Chic on South Padre Island Clean lines and neutral color palate empty spaces and shiny surfaces meets bold color intricately carved and painted furniture and custom surface treatments just about everywhere you look Sophisticated meets whimsical serious meets spontaneous and elegant meets charming Itrsquos not to say that these homes have nothing in common they both are the epitome of luxury We canrsquot wait to show you these two homes yoursquoll be swept o your feet in two far reaching directions

ldquoMirror Mirror on the Wallrdquo is not exactly how we would phrase it but decorating with mirrors is what the article is about Mirrors extend way beyond the boundaries of the bathroom vanity and appear in every room of the house Mirrors as ne art pieces hand crafted etched carved and cut can be a focal point of an entire room Mirrors on doors and walls can open up small spaces we all know that but they can also hide safe rooms elevators and security exits Mirrors serve to accent furniture wallpapers tiles and lighting This article is going to open your eyes and give you plenty of reasons to stare into the mirror other than to check your hair

We are all praying that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico can be contained very soon and the tragedy that continues to unfold over that situation has led to a nationwide discussion about the unfortunate dependency on oil we have in this country Now more than ever its time to investigate green technology wind and solar power clean fuels energy saving building materials and products that are made with recycled materials and produce less waste Our staple editorial column titled ldquoEco Friendsrdquo has grown into a full page written by leaders in the green industry and designed to oer you solutions you can take advantage of immediately Please letrsquos do what we can to help our earth if we all do a little it will add up to a lot

Visitwwwoledecorcomread current amp past issueslink to advertisersview episodes

Callsales 956-266-8663fax 956-761-2388

Emaileddieoledecorcom

Oleacute Decor oces5800 Padre BlvdSte 201 AampBSouth Padre Island TX

1520 Dove Ave Suite EMcAllen TX

Mailing addressPO Box 40101South Padre Island TX 78597

in next issue on the cover contact

We are so proud to feature for the rst time a master bedroom on the cover of Ole Deacutecor This is because until now we had never seen a bedroom as grand as this VHS Design and its owner Vicki Southwell created this room as part of a very extensive home remodel

Vickirsquos design and deacutecor air along with the home ownersrsquo rened tastes were the perfect collaboration The opulence of this master bedroom is punctuated by its hanging center piece An estate antique crystal chandelier measuring over 7 feet in diameter suspended directly over the master bed Dim the lights open to Casa Remodel and experience the romance and luxury found in every room of this spectacular home

amp SPRING 2010

SPRING 2010

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

Decorating with Pools and Accessories 26 Showcase

Sorteo Tec Lucky Number 181 56

Indoor Living Home Box Oce 52

Eco Friend Alan Camau 22

Fine Art Gallery Guide 60

Distinctive Properties Luxury Real Estate 48

Fabulous Spaces Public Places Alhambra Restaurant 16 amp Hookah Lounge

Casa Remodel Second Time Around 34

Luxury Homes A Friendly Match 40 Sandy Smart amp Savvy 44 In next issue Casa Remodel Mirror Mirror on the Wall Timeless Beauty Opposite Ends Eco Friends Fabulous Spaces Public Places Gallery Guide Sorteo Tec 182Contact us Ole Deacutecor Magazine 956-266-8663 |eddieoledecorcom wwwoledecorcom | printed in mexico

contents

26

56

52

SUMMER 2010

16

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

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SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

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SUMMER 2010

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$ SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

AlhambraMcAllen Texas

We live our lives within spaces and structures Our memories are all attached to locations where the surroundings around us effect our moods and inspire emotions A church inspires calm a concert hall excitement and our childhood home comfort The Alhambra design process started by brainstorming not what the structure would look like but rather the energy and feelings the building would inspire The owners thought about the special moments they had in their lives and the places they had them in drawing ideas form these experiences For Alhambra the goal was to create an environment of laughter excitement wonder of the unknown and island relaxation The Mediterranean with its eclectic mix of cultures and history beautiful beaches and azul water was the point of departure Alhambra was to capture the Moorish and Spanish traditions of the Alhambra Palace in Granada Spain and bring them to downtown McAllen Invoking the feel of the Alhambra Palace and at the same time trying not to mimic the already amazing ancient Palace was our challenge We wanted to create something entirely new and original drawing on traditional elements Although we were conceptualizing from a building that was more than 700 years old the goal was always to produce a modern building The challenge was to meld these contradicting ideas

Our new site was a 50 year-old building with a few constraints mainly dealing with the general layout of the building and having to distribute everything according to what was already there The only additional structures built were the front breezeway entrance the outdoor bar and terrace and the outdoor bathrooms Everything else was space ready to be transformed

Alhambra is both a restaurant and a bar These two spaces had to be separated so that the louder bar atmosphere was not intrusive on our diners but remained close enough to share the same level of atmosphere For the bar we wanted to provide a completely different experience that other bars downtown couldnrsquot offer and that was space We didnrsquot want the all-to-familiar feeling of being sandwiched between two people while trying to get to the bar After going through many floor plans we decided on one that would provide the most open space and integration of all areas A key element in the design which allowed us to bring all spaces together while still providing enough division to create discrete vignettes were the La Cantina bi-folding doors These

Fabulous Spaces Public Places

amp SUMMER 2010

doors enabled us to bring our outdoor patios indoor dining and outdoor dining together One area seamlessly flows to the next while at the same time each area possesses its own unique energy

The front entrance perfectly captures what the overall design is supposed to be As you approach the entrance yoursquoll notice a beautiful modern teak wood facade with sharp edges and diagonal lines defining the entryway The modern facade is juxtaposed with an imported traditional Moroccan door with hand carvings reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada Spain Surrounding the magnificent door is custom made ironwork shaped with a modern pattern yet redolent of typical Moroccan shapes Its magnitude also transforms traditional star patterns into a contemporary motif Once you enter you are fully transported outside McAllen All of a sudden the McAllen breeze is sweeter

To the left and right are the outdoor patios with three cabanas on each side The experience is multi sensory Your eyes see lush green tones from the gardens separating each of the cabanas and the o-white drapes owing from the breeze You can hear the leaves rustling and the apping of the fabric from the strong McAllen winds Since Alhambra is also a hookah bar the avored tobacco gives o a scent of blended fruits Looking down the patio you will see the cement oor in a blue toned checkered pattern that could have come from the Mediterranean sea Here again the pattern was enlarged to give it a modern feel The combination of the cement oors and the wooden cabanas and facade give the building rawness to its pronounced elegance

The Cabanas were designed to give their backs to the street in-order to set some kind of barrier between being inside or out The fence was designed to intrigue those on the outside hence the large gaps between wooden planks The drapes of the cabanas give another barrier between the outside and gives a more private experience when in the cabana As you walk by on the outside there are moments when you can get a glimpse of what is going on inside yet not enough to satisfy ones curiosity

Decor and design elements a collaboration by IDEO Art Design amp Juan Carlos Zapatap14

Opposite middle Billowing custom linen cabana wallsCanali Interiorsp36

Opposite bottom Collapsable wall of doors give patrons an indoor and outdoor dining experience La Cantina Doorsp19

SUMMER 2010

Furniture used was a special outdoor plastic wicker and are highlighted by bright orange Patone Chairs The Chairs provide a whimsical touch to the overall design At first we questioned whether we could use such a modern looking chair for our Moroccan design but when we saw a picture of one the chairs in a Moroccan home we knew it was the right chair

Stepping inside Alhambra transports you further with vibrant colors everywhere Orange sectionals bounce off the sapphire blue colored concrete floors The original concrete had many delightful imperfections that make the concrete look almost like stone The sectionals are highlighted by imported Moroccan tables On the far end of the Lounge is a faux finished semi private area We wanted the paint to look old so a faux finish was done yet we also wanted the old to look new so we used metallic bright pink plaster Again we combined old traditional elements with modern materials and color The result is a majestic reinterpretation of the old traditions The pink room is made cozier with

its Moroccan tin lamps that let light through tiny holes which project patterns on the walls

The other striking feature is the facade of the indoor and outdoor bar The same pattern as the front entrance ironwork was used to create a silhouette with color changing LED lighting The 30 foot bar extends through to the outside creating an illusion that makes it seem larger than it really is The back bar is adorned with an intricate Moroccan stencil modernized with a new foiling technique The same technique is used in the archways of the hallways and in the pink room Various Moroccan stencils were used to bring the modern space down to earth and back in tune with tradition You experience neither the coldness of minimalist modern design nor the over bearing and stuffiness of more traditional decoration Instead what is born is the old reinterpreted to bring freshness and fun to the space

My favorite part of the whole design is the hallway leading to the restrooms and dining room It was painted in a metallic bright aqua color again with a modern faux finish It was

Outdoor wicker furniture made of synthetic rattan extend the life of a classic favorite timeless style Sunset Livingp59

Opening spaces where once were walls is a concept that La Cantina Door Systems has made interchangeable Opposite page

a bold statement that signaled to everyone that it would embrace the unconventional At Alhambra be prepared to be surprised with color and flavor

The best view of the patio is from the upstairs terrace where you can see the intermingling of people From this vantage point the moments others are having are irresistible to watch At Alhambra a birthday celebration anniversary or party is a memory that will stay forever and as that energy and excitement fills Alhambrarsquos spaces it will eventually become one of the stories that weaves itself into a tradition in McAllen

Contributing Writer Juan Carlos Zapata

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

doors enabled us to bring our outdoor patios indoor dining and outdoor dining together One area seamlessly flows to the next while at the same time each area possesses its own unique energy

The front entrance perfectly captures what the overall design is supposed to be As you approach the entrance yoursquoll notice a beautiful modern teak wood facade with sharp edges and diagonal lines defining the entryway The modern facade is juxtaposed with an imported traditional Moroccan door with hand carvings reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada Spain Surrounding the magnificent door is custom made ironwork shaped with a modern pattern yet redolent of typical Moroccan shapes Its magnitude also transforms traditional star patterns into a contemporary motif Once you enter you are fully transported outside McAllen All of a sudden the McAllen breeze is sweeter

To the left and right are the outdoor patios with three cabanas on each side The experience is multi sensory Your eyes see lush green tones from the gardens separating each of the cabanas and the o-white drapes owing from the breeze You can hear the leaves rustling and the apping of the fabric from the strong McAllen winds Since Alhambra is also a hookah bar the avored tobacco gives o a scent of blended fruits Looking down the patio you will see the cement oor in a blue toned checkered pattern that could have come from the Mediterranean sea Here again the pattern was enlarged to give it a modern feel The combination of the cement oors and the wooden cabanas and facade give the building rawness to its pronounced elegance

The Cabanas were designed to give their backs to the street in-order to set some kind of barrier between being inside or out The fence was designed to intrigue those on the outside hence the large gaps between wooden planks The drapes of the cabanas give another barrier between the outside and gives a more private experience when in the cabana As you walk by on the outside there are moments when you can get a glimpse of what is going on inside yet not enough to satisfy ones curiosity

Decor and design elements a collaboration by IDEO Art Design amp Juan Carlos Zapatap14

Opposite middle Billowing custom linen cabana wallsCanali Interiorsp36

Opposite bottom Collapsable wall of doors give patrons an indoor and outdoor dining experience La Cantina Doorsp19

SUMMER 2010

Furniture used was a special outdoor plastic wicker and are highlighted by bright orange Patone Chairs The Chairs provide a whimsical touch to the overall design At first we questioned whether we could use such a modern looking chair for our Moroccan design but when we saw a picture of one the chairs in a Moroccan home we knew it was the right chair

Stepping inside Alhambra transports you further with vibrant colors everywhere Orange sectionals bounce off the sapphire blue colored concrete floors The original concrete had many delightful imperfections that make the concrete look almost like stone The sectionals are highlighted by imported Moroccan tables On the far end of the Lounge is a faux finished semi private area We wanted the paint to look old so a faux finish was done yet we also wanted the old to look new so we used metallic bright pink plaster Again we combined old traditional elements with modern materials and color The result is a majestic reinterpretation of the old traditions The pink room is made cozier with

its Moroccan tin lamps that let light through tiny holes which project patterns on the walls

The other striking feature is the facade of the indoor and outdoor bar The same pattern as the front entrance ironwork was used to create a silhouette with color changing LED lighting The 30 foot bar extends through to the outside creating an illusion that makes it seem larger than it really is The back bar is adorned with an intricate Moroccan stencil modernized with a new foiling technique The same technique is used in the archways of the hallways and in the pink room Various Moroccan stencils were used to bring the modern space down to earth and back in tune with tradition You experience neither the coldness of minimalist modern design nor the over bearing and stuffiness of more traditional decoration Instead what is born is the old reinterpreted to bring freshness and fun to the space

My favorite part of the whole design is the hallway leading to the restrooms and dining room It was painted in a metallic bright aqua color again with a modern faux finish It was

Outdoor wicker furniture made of synthetic rattan extend the life of a classic favorite timeless style Sunset Livingp59

Opening spaces where once were walls is a concept that La Cantina Door Systems has made interchangeable Opposite page

a bold statement that signaled to everyone that it would embrace the unconventional At Alhambra be prepared to be surprised with color and flavor

The best view of the patio is from the upstairs terrace where you can see the intermingling of people From this vantage point the moments others are having are irresistible to watch At Alhambra a birthday celebration anniversary or party is a memory that will stay forever and as that energy and excitement fills Alhambrarsquos spaces it will eventually become one of the stories that weaves itself into a tradition in McAllen

Contributing Writer Juan Carlos Zapata

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

Furniture used was a special outdoor plastic wicker and are highlighted by bright orange Patone Chairs The Chairs provide a whimsical touch to the overall design At first we questioned whether we could use such a modern looking chair for our Moroccan design but when we saw a picture of one the chairs in a Moroccan home we knew it was the right chair

Stepping inside Alhambra transports you further with vibrant colors everywhere Orange sectionals bounce off the sapphire blue colored concrete floors The original concrete had many delightful imperfections that make the concrete look almost like stone The sectionals are highlighted by imported Moroccan tables On the far end of the Lounge is a faux finished semi private area We wanted the paint to look old so a faux finish was done yet we also wanted the old to look new so we used metallic bright pink plaster Again we combined old traditional elements with modern materials and color The result is a majestic reinterpretation of the old traditions The pink room is made cozier with

its Moroccan tin lamps that let light through tiny holes which project patterns on the walls

The other striking feature is the facade of the indoor and outdoor bar The same pattern as the front entrance ironwork was used to create a silhouette with color changing LED lighting The 30 foot bar extends through to the outside creating an illusion that makes it seem larger than it really is The back bar is adorned with an intricate Moroccan stencil modernized with a new foiling technique The same technique is used in the archways of the hallways and in the pink room Various Moroccan stencils were used to bring the modern space down to earth and back in tune with tradition You experience neither the coldness of minimalist modern design nor the over bearing and stuffiness of more traditional decoration Instead what is born is the old reinterpreted to bring freshness and fun to the space

My favorite part of the whole design is the hallway leading to the restrooms and dining room It was painted in a metallic bright aqua color again with a modern faux finish It was

Outdoor wicker furniture made of synthetic rattan extend the life of a classic favorite timeless style Sunset Livingp59

Opening spaces where once were walls is a concept that La Cantina Door Systems has made interchangeable Opposite page

a bold statement that signaled to everyone that it would embrace the unconventional At Alhambra be prepared to be surprised with color and flavor

The best view of the patio is from the upstairs terrace where you can see the intermingling of people From this vantage point the moments others are having are irresistible to watch At Alhambra a birthday celebration anniversary or party is a memory that will stay forever and as that energy and excitement fills Alhambrarsquos spaces it will eventually become one of the stories that weaves itself into a tradition in McAllen

Contributing Writer Juan Carlos Zapata

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

Green Is The New Gold

What are insulated concrete formsICFrsquos are hollow ldquoblocksrdquo or ldquopanelsrdquo made of plastic foam that construction crews stack into the shape of the walls of a building The workers then ll the center with reinforced concrete to create the structure

ICFrsquos are basically forms for poured concrete walls that stay in place as a permanent part of the wall assembly

The forms made of foam insulation are either pre-formed interlocking blocks or separate panels connected with plastic ties The left-in-place forms not only provide a continuous insulation and sound barrier but also a backing for drywall on the inside and stucco lap siding or brick on the outside

Recourse EciencyICFrsquos are made from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) which was developed as a use for a waste stream product in the development of oil In other words it was originally considered post industrial recycled material The Styrene resins are transported to the local molding plant where they are expanded to 28 times their size with the use of only air and moisture And to top this o EPS R-value does not diminish over time saving many barrels of oil and tons of coal with the greatly reduced heating and cooling requirements Now thatrsquos an eective use of material

Energy SavingsSaving Energy is the worldrsquos top priority The building sector accounts for 50 of Americarsquos energy use in the heating and cooling of the building ICF walls can make a dierence to the thermal envelope due to the combined eect of the continuous R-Value the airtight construction and thermal mass mitigation

Energy e$cient construction is booming driven by higher fuel prices record ndashsetting temperatures andmore stringent energy codes Contractors are pushed to nd better solutions for the building envelope While R-values have been the traditional measure of energy eectiveness evidence now points to other factors witch contribute equally to energy e$ciency This is the rest of the story of the ICF Eect

As builders adapted new insulation materials and the HVAC industry develop more accurate equipment sizing software one thing becomes quite apparent R-value alone does not reect the true eectiveness of a material when installed If it did then wood frame house with an R-19 berglass batt would have the same energy performance as an Insulated

We call this the ICF Eect

The energy eectiveness of an ICF was is due to three important factors

1 Continuous R-ValueThe R-value of a material is based on laboratory testing of a sample piece It does not take into account gaps or variations in thickness In real life the R-value of an installed wall assembly should be the weighted average of all the wall components For Example berglass batt (R13) wood stud (R- 438 for a 2x4) and air gaps (R-0 zero) In this case the combined R-value is less than the tested value of the insulation component By comparison the R-value of ICFrsquos is constant The foam form and its associated R-value is continuous by necessity as a forming system For example an R-22 ICF system performs at a true R-22 level

2 Reduced Air InltrationOver half the energy loss of a frame home is due to unwanted air inltration and heat loss through the wall assembly Air can penetrate into a building through many channels- sheathing gaps penetrations at balconies or cantilevered oors and insulation gaps in the wall cavity Also humidity and drying of the wood frame causes movement in the wood framing and contributes to post-construction leakage Air inltration coming from these gaps is typically around 5 ACH (air changes per hour) which means that each hour half the air volume of a house is exchanged for outside air that needs to be heatedcooled

3 Thermal Mass ModerationThe ICF concrete core oers the characteristic thermal mass qualities of heat absorption and thermal lag The additional insulation of an ICF wall further delays the transfer of heat to the inside of thebuilding This combination serves to reduce and delay peak loads witch may result in lower o-peak energy pricing and reduced HVAC equipment size In climates with large diurnal temperature swings the mass wall can release absorbed heat energy to the cooler night air a process called heat ow reversal This insulated thermal mass application provides an excellent pairing with passive solar design The ICF wall moderates indoor temperature swings and reduces the amount of heatingcooling needed This in turn reduces the amount of exposed thermal mass needed for passive solar heating Mass oors interior walls and other surfaces can meet this exposed mass requirement

How does the home owner benetComfort Houses built with ICF walls have a much more even temperature throughout the day and night They have virtually no ldquocold spotsrdquo and sharply fewer drafts

Solidity The rigidity of concrete construction reduces the ex in oors and cuts shifting and vibration from the force of the wind or the slamming of a door Concrete houses survive high-force winds like hurricanes far better than wood homes And when properly reinforced they should also withstand earthquakes well

Quietness About one-sixth as much sound gets through an ICF wall compared with an ordinary frame wall This sharply cuts the intrusion of noise from outside

Energy Eciency The superior insulation air tightness and mass of the walls cut the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling by 30-40 This can save $300-400 per year in a typical home In addition it allows the installation of smaller heating and cooling equipment That can reduce the initial cost of a house by over a thousand dollars

Design Flexibility ICF houses can be completed with almost any interior and exterior nishes and can take any shape as easily as wood frame In fact some interesting eects such as curved walls and frequent corners can be less expensive to build into an ICF home

Energy E$cient construction is top priority for the construction industry The Energy Star for homes program has experienced a sizeable increase in builder participation New guidelines call for a continuous thermal envelope and tighter air barrier requirements which are the very strengths ofICFrsquos

Itrsquos time to look beyond the R-Value and learn the rest of the story Insulated Concrete Form construction oers a complete energy solution that makes economic sense today while helping to meet the energy need for future generations

Materials Center is a proud carrier of Novidesa Insulated Concrete Forms See opposite page

SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

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$amp()+(-($0123(4567$02(0(80729

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Arte En CanteraStone Pool Coping amp Decking

The coping is one of the most important elements in a swimming pool structure particularly in inground or onground swimming pool construction Coping is a smart way to add texture to your pool design However if you want to tie in other materials or just have a visual edge to the pool using a dierent coping material can be a stylish choice

Contemporary stone pool ideas use stone tiles to create the deck coping walls andor oor of the pool The deck creates the walkway around the pool and the coping creates the non-slip trim around the edge of the pool You can limit your use of stone to just the deck and coping around a pool insert or build a custom pool with stone tiles

Also being one of the most durable pool edgings is stone pool coping Made of sandstone limestone bluestone or travertine it can withstand wear chlorine and bromine pool treatments and all kinds of weather to keep your pool looking beautiful for years

We at Arte en Cantera in Mcallen can help guide and show you the dierent varieties of stone coping we have available See pg 31

Custom CreationsNatural Stone Pavers

Custom Creations in Donna built this beautiful pool deck using Travertine stone in Mocha The pattern is called Versias and combines 4 sizes of travertine tile with two dierent edge types a polished edge forms the coping around the pool itself and the rough hewn travertine covers the large pool patio area Travertine is perfectly suited for pool paving applications because it can withstand the constant eects of pool waters Travertine can also meet the exact desired eect of poolside paving because it is an evergreen meaning it has an incredible ability to produce a matching eect to the pool as well as surrounding garden features

The key attributes of durability strength non-slip features cooler surface and soft natural color are the basis of why many people are turning to Travertine for their poolside areas Travertine stone pavers are so versatile and the patterns and design possibilities are endless Travertine is available in various colors textures shapes and sizes Carl the owner of Custom Creations has over 20 years experience and there is nothing he canrsquot custom design uniquely for you Call and ldquoAsk for Carlrdquo and while you are discussing the perfect color of travertine for your pool deck ask him to throw in an outdoor kitchen re pit and palapa See pg 30

Outdoor Living

Pool by Hamlin Pools

$

amp SUMMER 2010

Eden PoolsFire Bowls and Spas

To create an incredible environment you must analyze all the elements involved in the backyard A pool by itself will not get the result most people are looking for You have to create a plan so that the backyard becomes an extension of the home This involves an analysis of the landscape irrigation patio lighting and pool

Eden really starts with the belief that back yards are a place to come relax and entertain which should be a reection of the owner personal style and taste Our focus remains on achieving the desired result so that each time the owner sees the project it positively rea$rms why they spent the money

Each project is a reection of the owner People are dierent and you have to understand the customer You will notice this picture is of a very contemporary pool with rustic elements You see the rustic side in the rock around the arbors bancorsquos and outdoor kitchen The rustic elements blend with the cutting edge design lighting and deck One of the owners grew up on a ranch and the other loves to hunt Together they both fell in love with the owing lines of the design and the rustic edges of the rock When we please our customers with unique projects we have achieved our ultimate goal See inside back cover

Home EnhancementsPergolas

ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo oers many dierent sized frame members allowing for exible designs ranging from a rened and sophisticated look using aestheti-cally pleasing shapes to a rustic western ranch look ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo sys-tem allows an innite variety of architectural designs The ability to customize ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo to your homersquos style and color will give you the elegant enhancement you deserve and desire

3rdquox8rdquo beam can span up to 23 feet Allows for an open and relaxing atmo-sphere Stays straight Wounrsquot split change colors or rot Wonrsquot burn or con-tribute to ame spread Aluminum Alloy amp Kynar 500 Finish defeats bugs

Choice of colors to match most landscapes The heavy embossed wood grain pattern will allow ash dirt or pollen to stick due to ldquoThe Perfect Shadersquosrdquo smooth Kynar 500 nish

Depending on structure size 35 - 45 higher than wood at time of initial construction Looks good and lasts for 30+ years Wash once every 2 years ors less Kynar 500 Finish keeps maintenance to minimum 30 year lifetime war-ranty See pg 1

Hamlin PoolsNatural Setting Pools

Hamlin Pools is a family owned 3rd Generation business that has been building pools in the valley since 1952 Our motto is and has always been ldquoWe Build Pools For Funrdquo Hamlin Pools boasts not one but two APSP certied building professionals on sta

Hamlin Pools built this swimming pool and spa in its natural setting and designed both for swimming laps and family fun This 24 foot wide by 72 foot long pool features natural stones in the oor of the pool to serve as lanes for swimming laps The pool also features a large natural rock waterfall built out of mossy rock boulders a jumping rock with water owing o of it in place of a diving board and a beach landing with a agstone nish The heated spa is large enough for eight and the black quartz interior nish gives the pool and spa the eect of innite depth The in the oor cleaning system is a Pool Valet 3 system exclusive to Hamlin Pools The beautiful Oklahoma Flagstone rock decking highlights this pool in its natural setting

Hamlin Pools is proud to announce that this swimming pool won the prestigious ldquoSilver Awardrdquo in the International Awards of Excellence We are also proud of the fact that we always maintain an A+ rating with the BBB See pg 30

SUMMER 2010

Southern StoneNatural Stone Waterfalls

Natural Stone Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool The ow of water can act as a pool pump keeping water clean and owing and can also oer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water Natural Stone Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-made according to the pool ownerrsquos specications

With our specialization in stoneand our experience inconstructionwe have a good understanding ofthe unique expectations of architects landscapers devel-opers contractors and designers

At Southern Stone we also enjoy helping do-it-yourselfers through dierent stages of the project with guidance referralsand advice

We specialize in stone have a huge selection pride ourselves oncustomer ser-vice and if that isnrsquot enough - ALL of our stone is quarry direct That means that our prices set us even further from the ldquocompetitionrdquo Straight from the mountain to yourhome in many cases -saving you time and money See opposite page

Tropical PatiosPoolside Patio

This project began when the ownersrsquo decided to add an exercise room on to their house which took up the existing patio area by the pool They needed a new pool-side patio that would complement the architecture of the house and be useful to the family

A covered pavilion reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa was built at the east end of the pool area The pavilion is open on three sides and has a solid wall on the east side which allows the owners to place appropriate furniture for entertaining The columns were placed at an optimum distance for the hanging of hammocks to enjoy on sunny afternoons The pavilion oor the balustrades as well as the front and back porches of the house were covered with the same architectural concrete which was selected for the columns of the colonnade Consistent with the old-world Mediterranean style the owners selected natural clay pavers for the pool deck and sidewalks The clay pavers were installed in the classic basket weave pattern found in courtyards throughout Italy Beginning with a base of compacted sand the clay pavers were carefully placed and then bordered with a hidden concrete curb This method of placing pavers on sand rather than mortar dates back to the days of the Roman Empire See opposite page

Sunset LivingOutdoor Furniture

Nowadays people are decorating the outsides of their homes - their patios porches gardens pools and backyards - as an extension of their indoor living space This is accomplished most often with our lovely out door furniture Modern homeowners have extended their living spaces outside to enjoy the sunshine the fresh air and the beautiful outdoor landscape The outdoors is a great place to start or end your day with a newspaper and a cup of coee or a friend and a nice chat The outdoors is also the best venue for a summer barbecue with a large group of friends To better maximize your outdoor living space we oer you the right kind of outdoor patio furniture to suit your lifestyle space taste and budget

Our outdoor patio furniture can be exposed to the elements all throughout the year - intense sunshine torrential rains gusty winds and dust Because of this Sunset Living outdoor living furniture is made from sturdy weather- and wear-resistant material Our furniture pieces range from outdoor dining sets sofa sets coee tables and lounge chairs Stop on by and have a look yoursquoll be glad you did See pg 59

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

Arte En CanteraStone Pool Coping amp Decking

The coping is one of the most important elements in a swimming pool structure particularly in inground or onground swimming pool construction Coping is a smart way to add texture to your pool design However if you want to tie in other materials or just have a visual edge to the pool using a dierent coping material can be a stylish choice

Contemporary stone pool ideas use stone tiles to create the deck coping walls andor oor of the pool The deck creates the walkway around the pool and the coping creates the non-slip trim around the edge of the pool You can limit your use of stone to just the deck and coping around a pool insert or build a custom pool with stone tiles

Also being one of the most durable pool edgings is stone pool coping Made of sandstone limestone bluestone or travertine it can withstand wear chlorine and bromine pool treatments and all kinds of weather to keep your pool looking beautiful for years

We at Arte en Cantera in Mcallen can help guide and show you the dierent varieties of stone coping we have available See pg 31

Custom CreationsNatural Stone Pavers

Custom Creations in Donna built this beautiful pool deck using Travertine stone in Mocha The pattern is called Versias and combines 4 sizes of travertine tile with two dierent edge types a polished edge forms the coping around the pool itself and the rough hewn travertine covers the large pool patio area Travertine is perfectly suited for pool paving applications because it can withstand the constant eects of pool waters Travertine can also meet the exact desired eect of poolside paving because it is an evergreen meaning it has an incredible ability to produce a matching eect to the pool as well as surrounding garden features

The key attributes of durability strength non-slip features cooler surface and soft natural color are the basis of why many people are turning to Travertine for their poolside areas Travertine stone pavers are so versatile and the patterns and design possibilities are endless Travertine is available in various colors textures shapes and sizes Carl the owner of Custom Creations has over 20 years experience and there is nothing he canrsquot custom design uniquely for you Call and ldquoAsk for Carlrdquo and while you are discussing the perfect color of travertine for your pool deck ask him to throw in an outdoor kitchen re pit and palapa See pg 30

Outdoor Living

Pool by Hamlin Pools

$

amp SUMMER 2010

Eden PoolsFire Bowls and Spas

To create an incredible environment you must analyze all the elements involved in the backyard A pool by itself will not get the result most people are looking for You have to create a plan so that the backyard becomes an extension of the home This involves an analysis of the landscape irrigation patio lighting and pool

Eden really starts with the belief that back yards are a place to come relax and entertain which should be a reection of the owner personal style and taste Our focus remains on achieving the desired result so that each time the owner sees the project it positively rea$rms why they spent the money

Each project is a reection of the owner People are dierent and you have to understand the customer You will notice this picture is of a very contemporary pool with rustic elements You see the rustic side in the rock around the arbors bancorsquos and outdoor kitchen The rustic elements blend with the cutting edge design lighting and deck One of the owners grew up on a ranch and the other loves to hunt Together they both fell in love with the owing lines of the design and the rustic edges of the rock When we please our customers with unique projects we have achieved our ultimate goal See inside back cover

Home EnhancementsPergolas

ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo oers many dierent sized frame members allowing for exible designs ranging from a rened and sophisticated look using aestheti-cally pleasing shapes to a rustic western ranch look ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo sys-tem allows an innite variety of architectural designs The ability to customize ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo to your homersquos style and color will give you the elegant enhancement you deserve and desire

3rdquox8rdquo beam can span up to 23 feet Allows for an open and relaxing atmo-sphere Stays straight Wounrsquot split change colors or rot Wonrsquot burn or con-tribute to ame spread Aluminum Alloy amp Kynar 500 Finish defeats bugs

Choice of colors to match most landscapes The heavy embossed wood grain pattern will allow ash dirt or pollen to stick due to ldquoThe Perfect Shadersquosrdquo smooth Kynar 500 nish

Depending on structure size 35 - 45 higher than wood at time of initial construction Looks good and lasts for 30+ years Wash once every 2 years ors less Kynar 500 Finish keeps maintenance to minimum 30 year lifetime war-ranty See pg 1

Hamlin PoolsNatural Setting Pools

Hamlin Pools is a family owned 3rd Generation business that has been building pools in the valley since 1952 Our motto is and has always been ldquoWe Build Pools For Funrdquo Hamlin Pools boasts not one but two APSP certied building professionals on sta

Hamlin Pools built this swimming pool and spa in its natural setting and designed both for swimming laps and family fun This 24 foot wide by 72 foot long pool features natural stones in the oor of the pool to serve as lanes for swimming laps The pool also features a large natural rock waterfall built out of mossy rock boulders a jumping rock with water owing o of it in place of a diving board and a beach landing with a agstone nish The heated spa is large enough for eight and the black quartz interior nish gives the pool and spa the eect of innite depth The in the oor cleaning system is a Pool Valet 3 system exclusive to Hamlin Pools The beautiful Oklahoma Flagstone rock decking highlights this pool in its natural setting

Hamlin Pools is proud to announce that this swimming pool won the prestigious ldquoSilver Awardrdquo in the International Awards of Excellence We are also proud of the fact that we always maintain an A+ rating with the BBB See pg 30

SUMMER 2010

Southern StoneNatural Stone Waterfalls

Natural Stone Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool The ow of water can act as a pool pump keeping water clean and owing and can also oer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water Natural Stone Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-made according to the pool ownerrsquos specications

With our specialization in stoneand our experience inconstructionwe have a good understanding ofthe unique expectations of architects landscapers devel-opers contractors and designers

At Southern Stone we also enjoy helping do-it-yourselfers through dierent stages of the project with guidance referralsand advice

We specialize in stone have a huge selection pride ourselves oncustomer ser-vice and if that isnrsquot enough - ALL of our stone is quarry direct That means that our prices set us even further from the ldquocompetitionrdquo Straight from the mountain to yourhome in many cases -saving you time and money See opposite page

Tropical PatiosPoolside Patio

This project began when the ownersrsquo decided to add an exercise room on to their house which took up the existing patio area by the pool They needed a new pool-side patio that would complement the architecture of the house and be useful to the family

A covered pavilion reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa was built at the east end of the pool area The pavilion is open on three sides and has a solid wall on the east side which allows the owners to place appropriate furniture for entertaining The columns were placed at an optimum distance for the hanging of hammocks to enjoy on sunny afternoons The pavilion oor the balustrades as well as the front and back porches of the house were covered with the same architectural concrete which was selected for the columns of the colonnade Consistent with the old-world Mediterranean style the owners selected natural clay pavers for the pool deck and sidewalks The clay pavers were installed in the classic basket weave pattern found in courtyards throughout Italy Beginning with a base of compacted sand the clay pavers were carefully placed and then bordered with a hidden concrete curb This method of placing pavers on sand rather than mortar dates back to the days of the Roman Empire See opposite page

Sunset LivingOutdoor Furniture

Nowadays people are decorating the outsides of their homes - their patios porches gardens pools and backyards - as an extension of their indoor living space This is accomplished most often with our lovely out door furniture Modern homeowners have extended their living spaces outside to enjoy the sunshine the fresh air and the beautiful outdoor landscape The outdoors is a great place to start or end your day with a newspaper and a cup of coee or a friend and a nice chat The outdoors is also the best venue for a summer barbecue with a large group of friends To better maximize your outdoor living space we oer you the right kind of outdoor patio furniture to suit your lifestyle space taste and budget

Our outdoor patio furniture can be exposed to the elements all throughout the year - intense sunshine torrential rains gusty winds and dust Because of this Sunset Living outdoor living furniture is made from sturdy weather- and wear-resistant material Our furniture pieces range from outdoor dining sets sofa sets coee tables and lounge chairs Stop on by and have a look yoursquoll be glad you did See pg 59

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

Eden PoolsFire Bowls and Spas

To create an incredible environment you must analyze all the elements involved in the backyard A pool by itself will not get the result most people are looking for You have to create a plan so that the backyard becomes an extension of the home This involves an analysis of the landscape irrigation patio lighting and pool

Eden really starts with the belief that back yards are a place to come relax and entertain which should be a reection of the owner personal style and taste Our focus remains on achieving the desired result so that each time the owner sees the project it positively rea$rms why they spent the money

Each project is a reection of the owner People are dierent and you have to understand the customer You will notice this picture is of a very contemporary pool with rustic elements You see the rustic side in the rock around the arbors bancorsquos and outdoor kitchen The rustic elements blend with the cutting edge design lighting and deck One of the owners grew up on a ranch and the other loves to hunt Together they both fell in love with the owing lines of the design and the rustic edges of the rock When we please our customers with unique projects we have achieved our ultimate goal See inside back cover

Home EnhancementsPergolas

ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo oers many dierent sized frame members allowing for exible designs ranging from a rened and sophisticated look using aestheti-cally pleasing shapes to a rustic western ranch look ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo sys-tem allows an innite variety of architectural designs The ability to customize ldquoThe Perfect Shaderdquo to your homersquos style and color will give you the elegant enhancement you deserve and desire

3rdquox8rdquo beam can span up to 23 feet Allows for an open and relaxing atmo-sphere Stays straight Wounrsquot split change colors or rot Wonrsquot burn or con-tribute to ame spread Aluminum Alloy amp Kynar 500 Finish defeats bugs

Choice of colors to match most landscapes The heavy embossed wood grain pattern will allow ash dirt or pollen to stick due to ldquoThe Perfect Shadersquosrdquo smooth Kynar 500 nish

Depending on structure size 35 - 45 higher than wood at time of initial construction Looks good and lasts for 30+ years Wash once every 2 years ors less Kynar 500 Finish keeps maintenance to minimum 30 year lifetime war-ranty See pg 1

Hamlin PoolsNatural Setting Pools

Hamlin Pools is a family owned 3rd Generation business that has been building pools in the valley since 1952 Our motto is and has always been ldquoWe Build Pools For Funrdquo Hamlin Pools boasts not one but two APSP certied building professionals on sta

Hamlin Pools built this swimming pool and spa in its natural setting and designed both for swimming laps and family fun This 24 foot wide by 72 foot long pool features natural stones in the oor of the pool to serve as lanes for swimming laps The pool also features a large natural rock waterfall built out of mossy rock boulders a jumping rock with water owing o of it in place of a diving board and a beach landing with a agstone nish The heated spa is large enough for eight and the black quartz interior nish gives the pool and spa the eect of innite depth The in the oor cleaning system is a Pool Valet 3 system exclusive to Hamlin Pools The beautiful Oklahoma Flagstone rock decking highlights this pool in its natural setting

Hamlin Pools is proud to announce that this swimming pool won the prestigious ldquoSilver Awardrdquo in the International Awards of Excellence We are also proud of the fact that we always maintain an A+ rating with the BBB See pg 30

SUMMER 2010

Southern StoneNatural Stone Waterfalls

Natural Stone Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool The ow of water can act as a pool pump keeping water clean and owing and can also oer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water Natural Stone Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-made according to the pool ownerrsquos specications

With our specialization in stoneand our experience inconstructionwe have a good understanding ofthe unique expectations of architects landscapers devel-opers contractors and designers

At Southern Stone we also enjoy helping do-it-yourselfers through dierent stages of the project with guidance referralsand advice

We specialize in stone have a huge selection pride ourselves oncustomer ser-vice and if that isnrsquot enough - ALL of our stone is quarry direct That means that our prices set us even further from the ldquocompetitionrdquo Straight from the mountain to yourhome in many cases -saving you time and money See opposite page

Tropical PatiosPoolside Patio

This project began when the ownersrsquo decided to add an exercise room on to their house which took up the existing patio area by the pool They needed a new pool-side patio that would complement the architecture of the house and be useful to the family

A covered pavilion reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa was built at the east end of the pool area The pavilion is open on three sides and has a solid wall on the east side which allows the owners to place appropriate furniture for entertaining The columns were placed at an optimum distance for the hanging of hammocks to enjoy on sunny afternoons The pavilion oor the balustrades as well as the front and back porches of the house were covered with the same architectural concrete which was selected for the columns of the colonnade Consistent with the old-world Mediterranean style the owners selected natural clay pavers for the pool deck and sidewalks The clay pavers were installed in the classic basket weave pattern found in courtyards throughout Italy Beginning with a base of compacted sand the clay pavers were carefully placed and then bordered with a hidden concrete curb This method of placing pavers on sand rather than mortar dates back to the days of the Roman Empire See opposite page

Sunset LivingOutdoor Furniture

Nowadays people are decorating the outsides of their homes - their patios porches gardens pools and backyards - as an extension of their indoor living space This is accomplished most often with our lovely out door furniture Modern homeowners have extended their living spaces outside to enjoy the sunshine the fresh air and the beautiful outdoor landscape The outdoors is a great place to start or end your day with a newspaper and a cup of coee or a friend and a nice chat The outdoors is also the best venue for a summer barbecue with a large group of friends To better maximize your outdoor living space we oer you the right kind of outdoor patio furniture to suit your lifestyle space taste and budget

Our outdoor patio furniture can be exposed to the elements all throughout the year - intense sunshine torrential rains gusty winds and dust Because of this Sunset Living outdoor living furniture is made from sturdy weather- and wear-resistant material Our furniture pieces range from outdoor dining sets sofa sets coee tables and lounge chairs Stop on by and have a look yoursquoll be glad you did See pg 59

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

Southern StoneNatural Stone Waterfalls

Natural Stone Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool The ow of water can act as a pool pump keeping water clean and owing and can also oer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water Natural Stone Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes sizes and designs and can be custom-made according to the pool ownerrsquos specications

With our specialization in stoneand our experience inconstructionwe have a good understanding ofthe unique expectations of architects landscapers devel-opers contractors and designers

At Southern Stone we also enjoy helping do-it-yourselfers through dierent stages of the project with guidance referralsand advice

We specialize in stone have a huge selection pride ourselves oncustomer ser-vice and if that isnrsquot enough - ALL of our stone is quarry direct That means that our prices set us even further from the ldquocompetitionrdquo Straight from the mountain to yourhome in many cases -saving you time and money See opposite page

Tropical PatiosPoolside Patio

This project began when the ownersrsquo decided to add an exercise room on to their house which took up the existing patio area by the pool They needed a new pool-side patio that would complement the architecture of the house and be useful to the family

A covered pavilion reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa was built at the east end of the pool area The pavilion is open on three sides and has a solid wall on the east side which allows the owners to place appropriate furniture for entertaining The columns were placed at an optimum distance for the hanging of hammocks to enjoy on sunny afternoons The pavilion oor the balustrades as well as the front and back porches of the house were covered with the same architectural concrete which was selected for the columns of the colonnade Consistent with the old-world Mediterranean style the owners selected natural clay pavers for the pool deck and sidewalks The clay pavers were installed in the classic basket weave pattern found in courtyards throughout Italy Beginning with a base of compacted sand the clay pavers were carefully placed and then bordered with a hidden concrete curb This method of placing pavers on sand rather than mortar dates back to the days of the Roman Empire See opposite page

Sunset LivingOutdoor Furniture

Nowadays people are decorating the outsides of their homes - their patios porches gardens pools and backyards - as an extension of their indoor living space This is accomplished most often with our lovely out door furniture Modern homeowners have extended their living spaces outside to enjoy the sunshine the fresh air and the beautiful outdoor landscape The outdoors is a great place to start or end your day with a newspaper and a cup of coee or a friend and a nice chat The outdoors is also the best venue for a summer barbecue with a large group of friends To better maximize your outdoor living space we oer you the right kind of outdoor patio furniture to suit your lifestyle space taste and budget

Our outdoor patio furniture can be exposed to the elements all throughout the year - intense sunshine torrential rains gusty winds and dust Because of this Sunset Living outdoor living furniture is made from sturdy weather- and wear-resistant material Our furniture pieces range from outdoor dining sets sofa sets coee tables and lounge chairs Stop on by and have a look yoursquoll be glad you did See pg 59

( SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

)SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

Toll Free 1-800-840-3894wwwhamlinpoolscom

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

Upper Valley 3801 W US Hwy 83 | McAllen | 9566611313

Mid Valley 2401 W Exp 83 | Weslaco | 9569681300

Lower Valley 4675 N Exp A | Brownsville | 9563502585

Laredo Area 1602 Calle del Norte | Laredo | 9567229696

Locations

wwwsuperiorgraniteandmarblecom

Superior Granite-Marble maintains elevated quality standards and enormous attention is devoted to product selection planning processing and nish Whether your project is a ve-star hotel or a kitchen remodel our Design Experts work closely with homeowners architects contractors and designers to provide comprehensive solutions and service Our success is based on quality control

We are the largest slab wholesaler in South Texas We enjoy helping our clients select from our substantial inventory of granite marble slate travertine limestone and onyx from India Brazil Portugal Spain Italy and Turkey

SUMMER 2010

Upper Valley 3801 W US Hwy 83 | McAllen | 9566611313

Mid Valley 2401 W Exp 83 | Weslaco | 9569681300

Lower Valley 4675 N Exp A | Brownsville | 9563502585

Laredo Area 1602 Calle del Norte | Laredo | 9567229696

Locations

wwwsuperiorgraniteandmarblecom

Superior Granite-Marble maintains elevated quality standards and enormous attention is devoted to product selection planning processing and nish Whether your project is a ve-star hotel or a kitchen remodel our Design Experts work closely with homeowners architects contractors and designers to provide comprehensive solutions and service Our success is based on quality control

We are the largest slab wholesaler in South Texas We enjoy helping our clients select from our substantial inventory of granite marble slate travertine limestone and onyx from India Brazil Portugal Spain Italy and Turkey

BEFORE Casa Remodel

The original house that sat on this land was torn down approximately 17 years ago and my clientrsquos rst custom home was built on this beautiful lake side property Preserving the view was rst priority in the design and building I was asked to help decorate and furnish the rst time around As the family grew so did the need to update the interior nishes and arrangement of certain areas to t their needs An entire remodeling project means decisions on all facets of renovation such as lighting coloring furnishing and is a demanding process for a home owner We helped them understand the steps involved in the process and tried to keep their everyday schedule as close to normal as possible Never losing sight of the importance of the lake view and its beauty we began with one side of the house and worked our way south

Next we entered the elegant master suite where we continued with the large stacked 20rdquo ceiling moulding which helped bring the high ceiling down to a more visual height The

main focal point of the room is a massive handmade iron and crystal chandelier that hangs from the center of the room The size is eight foot in height and seven foot in width and takes your breath away Its beautiful lights make all the crystals glisten throughout the room The iron headboard was also custom made The windows and doors of the room were covered with antiqued dyed chenille fabrics on electronic rods that can be opened and closed with the touch of a button all custom made by Canali Interiors of McAllen The furnishings were reupholstered with coordinating fabrics to compliment all the rich new colors The eect is a warm cozy and comfortable room the dening attributes of a home

One of the biggest changes came in the master bath area and wow does it look great We removed the Jacuzzi tub since it was rarely used and was taking up space Then we moved a few walls and enlarged the shower to a very spacious area The shower has four rain ow heads in the ceiling a hand held wall shower and one

oversized standard shower It is a walk in area without doors The amp walls that look out to the magnicent lake view oer privacy Custom cabinets have separate vanities and zebra skinned benches for relaxing There is a beautiful handmade stained glass piece by Glassica that compliments the rich colors and textures of the room The lighting from the Light House was the perfect match for the mirrored areas and a coordinating chandelier perched above the ownerrsquos makeup vanity was the icing on the cake As you walk around the bath area you will pass through an arched entry to a room that contains beautiful glass door closets In this lighted area behind the door is a collection of designer shoes with all of kinds of ldquoBlingrdquo Cinderella couldnrsquot hold a candle to these shoes

Finally we made our way to the center of the house When the large double front doors open the view of the lake thru the magnicent entry and living area is spectacular These areas are lled with textures and colors stemming from a metal

tiled niche and old Chicago brick on the walls and stairs The walls were also treated with an old plastered look with a bronze glaze top coat Again the hand hewn wood oors bring out the warm feeling and oer the elegant look we wanted The furnishings were custom made in San Antonio The drapes that cascade on the side of our two story windows were the perfect nish to the room These were created with electronic controls for easy closure VHS design has great condence and admiration in Alejandra of Canali Interiors Her work is complete and professional and always makes me proud

The 20X20 porcelain oor runs from the front entry to the galley area in front of the bar down the hall and throughout the kitchen The new wine cellar has the same tile oor and the old Chicago brick on the walls with an arched brick ceiling Our homeowners have a great collection of wines so creating this area with a hand forged custom door was a perfect look

Second Time AroundMcAllen Texas

$ SUMMER 2010

Additions completely redesigned amp remodeled by VHS Design

Granite supplier Superior Granite amp Marblep32

Granite fabricator Valley Granitep38

Top leftright Custom glass amp mirrors Glassicap58

Kitchen amp bath xtures Morrisonpg37

Moulding So Texas Mouldingp62

Middle lower right amp next page Custom draperies and bedding Canali Interiorsp36

We carried the brick thru out the house creating arches columns walls and ceilings This gives a feeling of those old Tuscan homes that had such wonderful textures in all areas This feeling is evident when passing thru the arched brick entry from the dining into the Butlerrsquos Pantry and kitchen We created a groin type ceiling with brick and an elegant chandelier with crystals hanging in the center A Butlerrsquos Pantry needed for extra working space and display of serving pieces was enlarged by moving some walls and building a beautiful arrangement of custom cabinets These have a blackened and aged nish with doors of seeded glass inserts The cabinets have ornate pulls and knobs which added the perfect touch throughout the Butlerrsquos Pantry and kitchen

We opened the look of the kitchen by completely changing the design and layout of all the cabinets appliances and plumbing xtures That is called a ldquocomplete gutting ldquoof the area The same beautiful and classic mahogany and maple cabinets were custom made We used a rich chestnut and aged blackened stained look and mixed it in dierent areas We also used two dierent colors of granite with the largest single slab of black being used for the island

The island measures ten feet by six feet and has plenty of area for everything involving eating prepping and serving What a Counter The gas cook top and other appliances for this job came from Morrisonrsquos of McAllen One of the focal points in the kitchen is the hood over the cook top The kitchen sinks are hammered amprdquo stainless tiles that are under mounted with black Danze single bridge faucets for the plumbing xtures

The stove vent was decorated with pieces of 120 year old ceiling tiles and a custom mesquite mantle These tiles were also used in a powder bath ceiling and originally came from a

BEFORE

BEFOREBEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

SUMMER 2010

building belonging to the homeownerrsquos ancestors My carpenter created all this from my little sketches on a tablet Hersquos a true genius My assistant Sarah Lopez spent many hours helping me complete all of my creations

The young ballerina of the family got her own room with antiques a canopy bed and plenty of storage for all of her Barbies and friends Cabinets were accented with red crystal pulls The wood oors created a warm rich feeling and the drapes and linens for her iron bed were custom made by Canali Interiors Her crystal chandelier selected at the Light House gives the room a feminine and elegant nish We also created a beautiful ldquomovie starrdquo closet with drapes and beads She enters through glass double doors with crystal door knobs

The last addition to this remodel was to create a new TV and family area We did ithellip a beautiful glassed addition with a replace stone walls and wood beamed ceilings It also contains a full bath area with a kitchen for easy entertaining by mom dad and the kids The area was also created for ranch trophy mounts to be displayed and pictures of all the fun time the family holds dear

When my jobs come to a nal completion the one greatest compliment I enjoy the most is when my clients tell me how much they love being in their new home and how it has become their favorite place in the world

Contributing Writer Vicki S PennVHS Design

amp SUMMER 2010

INTERIORS

Additions completely redesigned amp remodeled by VHS Design

Granite supplier Superior Granite amp Marblep32

Granite fabricator Valley Granitep38

Top leftright Custom glass amp mirrors Glassicap58

Kitchen amp bath xtures Morrisonpg37

Moulding So Texas Mouldingp62

Middle lower right amp next page Custom draperies and bedding Canali Interiorsp36

We carried the brick thru out the house creating arches columns walls and ceilings This gives a feeling of those old Tuscan homes that had such wonderful textures in all areas This feeling is evident when passing thru the arched brick entry from the dining into the Butlerrsquos Pantry and kitchen We created a groin type ceiling with brick and an elegant chandelier with crystals hanging in the center A Butlerrsquos Pantry needed for extra working space and display of serving pieces was enlarged by moving some walls and building a beautiful arrangement of custom cabinets These have a blackened and aged nish with doors of seeded glass inserts The cabinets have ornate pulls and knobs which added the perfect touch throughout the Butlerrsquos Pantry and kitchen

We opened the look of the kitchen by completely changing the design and layout of all the cabinets appliances and plumbing xtures That is called a ldquocomplete gutting ldquoof the area The same beautiful and classic mahogany and maple cabinets were custom made We used a rich chestnut and aged blackened stained look and mixed it in dierent areas We also used two dierent colors of granite with the largest single slab of black being used for the island

The island measures ten feet by six feet and has plenty of area for everything involving eating prepping and serving What a Counter The gas cook top and other appliances for this job came from Morrisonrsquos of McAllen One of the focal points in the kitchen is the hood over the cook top The kitchen sinks are hammered amprdquo stainless tiles that are under mounted with black Danze single bridge faucets for the plumbing xtures

The stove vent was decorated with pieces of 120 year old ceiling tiles and a custom mesquite mantle These tiles were also used in a powder bath ceiling and originally came from a

BEFORE

BEFOREBEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

SUMMER 2010

building belonging to the homeownerrsquos ancestors My carpenter created all this from my little sketches on a tablet Hersquos a true genius My assistant Sarah Lopez spent many hours helping me complete all of my creations

The young ballerina of the family got her own room with antiques a canopy bed and plenty of storage for all of her Barbies and friends Cabinets were accented with red crystal pulls The wood oors created a warm rich feeling and the drapes and linens for her iron bed were custom made by Canali Interiors Her crystal chandelier selected at the Light House gives the room a feminine and elegant nish We also created a beautiful ldquomovie starrdquo closet with drapes and beads She enters through glass double doors with crystal door knobs

The last addition to this remodel was to create a new TV and family area We did ithellip a beautiful glassed addition with a replace stone walls and wood beamed ceilings It also contains a full bath area with a kitchen for easy entertaining by mom dad and the kids The area was also created for ranch trophy mounts to be displayed and pictures of all the fun time the family holds dear

When my jobs come to a nal completion the one greatest compliment I enjoy the most is when my clients tell me how much they love being in their new home and how it has become their favorite place in the world

Contributing Writer Vicki S PennVHS Design

amp SUMMER 2010

INTERIORS

building belonging to the homeownerrsquos ancestors My carpenter created all this from my little sketches on a tablet Hersquos a true genius My assistant Sarah Lopez spent many hours helping me complete all of my creations

The young ballerina of the family got her own room with antiques a canopy bed and plenty of storage for all of her Barbies and friends Cabinets were accented with red crystal pulls The wood oors created a warm rich feeling and the drapes and linens for her iron bed were custom made by Canali Interiors Her crystal chandelier selected at the Light House gives the room a feminine and elegant nish We also created a beautiful ldquomovie starrdquo closet with drapes and beads She enters through glass double doors with crystal door knobs

The last addition to this remodel was to create a new TV and family area We did ithellip a beautiful glassed addition with a replace stone walls and wood beamed ceilings It also contains a full bath area with a kitchen for easy entertaining by mom dad and the kids The area was also created for ranch trophy mounts to be displayed and pictures of all the fun time the family holds dear

When my jobs come to a nal completion the one greatest compliment I enjoy the most is when my clients tell me how much they love being in their new home and how it has become their favorite place in the world

Contributing Writer Vicki S PennVHS Design

amp SUMMER 2010

INTERIORS

SUMMER 2010

( SUMMER 2010

$amp()+amp)-$

Valleyrsquos only granite fabricator using laser guided gantry saw and CNC machine to achieve precision seams and proles

)SUMMER 2010$amp$()$+$

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Master Plan amp Design Distinctive Draftingp42

LandscapingBest Lawn Carep42

Opposite Pool by Hamlin Poolsp30 Southern Hickory Patio Stone by Southern Stonep29

Opposite center right Hand Scraped wood $oor Lumber Liquidatorsp2 Minka-Lavery chandelier Light House Lighting Centerp11 Dinning Set Lacksp39 Custom Shutter JM Curtains amp Blindsp38 SoTexas Moldingp62

Opposite bottom Cantera replace and colums Cantera Rancho Alegrep46

A Friendly MatchHarlingen Texas

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Luxury Living

$ SUMMER 2010

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Contributing Writer Frank Del Angel

$SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

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Contributing Writer Frank Del Angel

$SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

$SUMMER 2010

Fiberglass and Wood Doors

Construction and Design by Design Group 692p47

Above Black Forest granite countertopsPremier Granite amp Marblep46 Glenview interior doors Door amp Window Shopp43

Select furniture pieces by Designerrsquos Showroomp51

Lumber Liquidators(p2) rich hand scraped distressed wood cover the $oors while broad hardwood moulding from So Texas Moulding(p62) disguise every seam

Sandy Smart and SavvySouth Padre Island Texas

This barrier island wedged between the Gulf of Mexico amp The Laguna Madre has developed into a seaside haven for nature lovers

Sea turtles dolphins Brown Pelicans tropical birds and butteries adorn the sand beaches and environs

With this picture in mind we developed a beach house for a family of six that not only incorporated all amenities but 21st century energy producers and high tech energy saving devices

For starters we needed to design a hurricane resistant structure which included concrete reinforced pilings extending 18 feet below street level

Structural members above ground had to be re-in forced to withstand winds in excess of 130 mph This included windows doors roong and siding

Space was needed for two vehicles a boat pool and dressing room and concrete drive with landscaping The lot is standard size for the Island which necessitated vertical planning and construction

Design Features

Under roof parking for two vehicles and a storage area for a boat household tools and miscellaneous household eects is cleverly built in

Adequate open space exists for entertaining guests family time and general day to day living Natural light adorns every nook and cranny throughout the entire residence

A Kitchen with center island as a focal point is large enough to accommodate all ultra-deluxe appliances and oer comfortable seating for everyone

Sleeping quarters for the family are located on oor number three including master bedroom and bath three smaller bedrooms and bath for the children

There is a guest room and bath adjacent to the kitchen and a

Luxury Living

$$ SUMMER 2010

terrace with stairs that oers access to the pool level

The ldquoCrowrsquos nestrdquo (or Loft) is roof level with a beautiful view of the ocean This serene spot is an adult retreat created for quiet time and relaxation after a busy day

In planning this project we called upon decorative features found in the Mediterranean

Artful duplication of native stone adorns the faccedilade and browntaupe tones accent the symmetrical design

The wide use of natural light oods in through countless windows and glass doors

Extensive use of terraces assures pleasant ocean breezes day or night

All gathering places in the residence are adorned with unique lighting xtures plumbing styles wood trim striking colors and a multitude of unusual tile and granite are visible throughout

Construction Highlights

The foundation and all bearing components including cement block are reinforced with iron bars held in place with heavy duty concrete (Visualize a 50rsquo giant strong enough to lift this building It would be possible to raise one corner and the entire residence would lift intact o the ground because all the construction members are tied together)

Windows and doors are manufactured to withstand hurricane force winds up to 130 MPH

The aluminum roof and all other outside components are either painted or treated to withstand tropical sun and salt exposure

Polyurethane foam insulation guarantees cool summer and warm winter operation of the AC units foam also seals any and all imperfections in building materials

Water on Hot shot is Tankless (No

waiting for hot water Just turn to onhellipand there it is) No electricity is wasted running a hot water heater

Wind turbine and solar panels generate enough power to store energy in a battery pack Power outages are not something that will aect this dwelling

The salt water pool is free of chlorine and self cleaning as well

All electrical functions are digitally controlled A timer is set for anything electrical either OFF or ON No FusshellipNo Muss

Quietly nestled on a barrier island wedged between the Gulf of Mexico amp The Laguna Madre stands a wonderfully built smart house A testament that beauty can be more than skin deep

$SUMMER 2010

$amp SUMMER 2010

$SUMMER 2010

ampDesignersBuilders

of distinctive homes$amp()+-()(0)123amp4$2556678977lt=gtABCCDE0FG-HIH69JK858G-HIH8J6899G-HIH98JK58K

ltALCDMBLNODBPPlt=QR-7M=SALCDMHNL=C7M=S

gtgtgt7ODBPPlt=QR-7M=S

terrace with stairs that oers access to the pool level

The ldquoCrowrsquos nestrdquo (or Loft) is roof level with a beautiful view of the ocean This serene spot is an adult retreat created for quiet time and relaxation after a busy day

In planning this project we called upon decorative features found in the Mediterranean

Artful duplication of native stone adorns the faccedilade and browntaupe tones accent the symmetrical design

The wide use of natural light oods in through countless windows and glass doors

Extensive use of terraces assures pleasant ocean breezes day or night

All gathering places in the residence are adorned with unique lighting xtures plumbing styles wood trim striking colors and a multitude of unusual tile and granite are visible throughout

Construction Highlights

The foundation and all bearing components including cement block are reinforced with iron bars held in place with heavy duty concrete (Visualize a 50rsquo giant strong enough to lift this building It would be possible to raise one corner and the entire residence would lift intact o the ground because all the construction members are tied together)

Windows and doors are manufactured to withstand hurricane force winds up to 130 MPH

The aluminum roof and all other outside components are either painted or treated to withstand tropical sun and salt exposure

Polyurethane foam insulation guarantees cool summer and warm winter operation of the AC units foam also seals any and all imperfections in building materials

Water on Hot shot is Tankless (No

waiting for hot water Just turn to onhellipand there it is) No electricity is wasted running a hot water heater

Wind turbine and solar panels generate enough power to store energy in a battery pack Power outages are not something that will aect this dwelling

The salt water pool is free of chlorine and self cleaning as well

All electrical functions are digitally controlled A timer is set for anything electrical either OFF or ON No FusshellipNo Muss

Quietly nestled on a barrier island wedged between the Gulf of Mexico amp The Laguna Madre stands a wonderfully built smart house A testament that beauty can be more than skin deep

$SUMMER 2010

$amp SUMMER 2010

$SUMMER 2010

ampDesignersBuilders

of distinctive homes$amp()+-()(0)123amp4$2556678977lt=gtABCCDE0FG-HIH69JK858G-HIH8J6899G-HIH98JK58K

ltALCDMBLNODBPPlt=QR-7M=SALCDMHNL=C7M=S

gtgtgt7ODBPPlt=QR-7M=S

$amp SUMMER 2010

$SUMMER 2010

ampDesignersBuilders

of distinctive homes$amp()+-()(0)123amp4$2556678977lt=gtABCCDE0FG-HIH69JK858G-HIH8J6899G-HIH98JK58K

ltALCDMBLNODBPPlt=QR-7M=SALCDMHNL=C7M=S

gtgtgt7ODBPPlt=QR-7M=S

$SUMMER 2010

ampDesignersBuilders

of distinctive homes$amp()+-()(0)123amp4$2556678977lt=gtABCCDE0FG-HIH69JK858G-HIH8J6899G-HIH98JK58K

ltALCDMBLNODBPPlt=QR-7M=SALCDMHNL=C7M=S

gtgtgt7ODBPPlt=QR-7M=S

1000 Pablo GarciaEntertaining is a must in this home From the moment you enter the grand foyer you are greeted with elegance throughout A few features are the formal dining room formal living room o$ce and family room The stylish formal dining room is pleasing to the eye with oor to ceiling windows and rustic chandelier The kitchen boasts of long granite countertops a substantial area for the cook and a subzero refrigerator The master suite is a private get-a-way with a sitting area private wet bar and decorative ceilings The luxury whirlpool features cantera columns and a smoky glass window Sitting on the large covered back patio is very inviting for relaxing evenings This home boasts of travertine tile red oak stairs lead up to the media room intercom system security system and surround sound In this home you will be surrounded by luxury and beauty which are all mandatory features in a home built by Garcia Builders and Development

OFFERED AT $485000

INQUIRIESREMAX Lone Star Team Select 315 E Jackson St Harlingen Texas 78550 956-428-9900wwwteamselectremax-texascom

Virtual Tour - httpmagazineoledecorcomvtmls41711

Sally Smith(956) 867-2965sallysmithremaxnet

$( SUMMER 2010

15081 Sparrow RdCountry done classy

Just north of Mexico near the southern tip of Texas and minutes from South Padre Island is 15081 Sparrow Rd in the Harlingen area known for its laid-back blend of South Texas charm and the rich cultural traditions of Mexico

Designated a Certified Retirement Community by the state of Texas Harlingen boasts a low cost of living year-round sports and is the health care heart of the Valley

With mild tropical winters and constant summer sea breezes off the Gulf of Mexico allow you to enjoy year-round outdoor activities and sports Harlingen has 556 acres of parks and recreation featuring soccer softball tennis baseball swimming playgrounds picnic areas hikebike trail nature parks and lakes

Golfers can enjoy year-round play with private and public courses around Harlingen and the surrounding communities

Within this beautiful city lies an amazing home offering a touch of class in a country setting The gourmet kitchen is the very heart of this elegant country home The formal dining and living rooms a warm and inviting den and breakfast nook all flow from the kitchen The wet bar area and walk in pantry are positioned for your entertainment needs The master suite offers plenty of room

for adding a quiet sitting area for relaxing Room is abundant in the master bath which features a large whirlpool tub separate shower and two walk-in closets The split floor plan allows for privacy and tranquility A bonus room upstairs is large enough for a pool table exercise equipment or to make it your own media room Whether your pleasure is riding horses or four wheelers the three acres provides the ideal place for these activities Cross-fencing and an open shed for the animals with closed tractor storage provides for the perfect country setting Granite counters crown mouldings elegant tile floors and even a hot tub complete the picture for this welcoming home

OFFERED AT $359900

INQUIRIESREMAX Lone Star Team Select315 E Jackson St Harlingen Texas 78550 956-428-9900wwwteamselectremax-texascom

Virtual Tour - httpmagazineoledecorcomvtmls41621

Sarah Kulungowski956-245-9719 sarahkremaxnet

$)SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

SUMMER 2010

Indoor Living

$amp(()$

Home Theater by denition is audio and video equipment designed to reproduce in the home the experience of being in

a movie theater But in reality is much more than that it is a special area in the house that everybody likes and enjoys

This area in the house is your own personalized movie theatre where you decide who becomes part of your VIP guest list

Building this enjoy-it-all family and friendrsquos room is not as expensive as you might think but it does require some planning Here is a list of things that you should consider when planning this areaBegin by making a sketch of the area that will become

your Home Theatre garages and unused rooms are great choices Once you have decided on the proper

area measure it Include the dimensions of the room in your sketch this will provide a clear view of where your

audience will sit in relation to the screen To determine the right distance use this formula size of the screen (width) x ratio = optimal seating distance Media Resolution Ratio Type of media

1080p 15 Blu-ray

1080i 17 High Denition TV

720p 20 Standard TV

The distance from your projector is very relevant because you never want to be too close to the screen The optimal seating

SUMMER 2010

position will create an unforgettable and enjoyable experience

This brings us to the next point illumination Just as in a movie theatre avoid windows or any other source of natural light It is recommended to have dimmers so that you can control the amount of light in which you feel comfortable and still get the highest quality image

Next are the acoustical properties of the room

Geometrical form Rectangle is always better than square and domes are not very welcomed because they distort the sound wavesrsquo path If your room does not have the perfect shape donrsquot worry because you can make use of acoustic panels placed where needed to re-route the sound waves to the seating area Another option to help contain the sound is to add a ber optic panel to you ceiling This will not only help with the acoustics of the room but it will give a beautiful starry night eect Flooring Carpet is recommended over all other options because it reduces sound

reection and ensures proper sound absorption The density of the carpet is a factor to consider The thicker the carpet and padding the better sound absorption you will get

Ceilings Standard height between 8 ft to 10 ft is preferred because of two main reasons

1 The higher the ceiling the more power and you will need to ll the room with audio In other words if the area is open the sound waves have to travel further

2 If you want to use a projector you will need an extension pole to adjust to the screen height and to the viewersrsquo eyesight Extension poles are basically a tube that allows the projector to be mounted at any height but the pole is not invisible and you need to consider how you make it part of the decor

3 A great picture needs to be accompanied with great sound for the ultimate experience For the real theater experience you need a center channel

Opposite topbottom left Helping leading men Brad Pit amp your friendly neighborhood Spiderman look a little better Home Entertainmentp50

Center In the theater room is a 103 inch SI Black diamond screen with JVC DLA-RS2 home cinema 1080P HD projector that boasts a 300001 contrast ratio This high resolution image is incomplete without the a Marantz 71 - 135X7 watt system to output itrsquos crisp sound to the Niles Stage Front speakers and the awesome bass pumping subwoofer

BelowElegant red room theater seating and the latest in home audiovideo makes every movie a hit MCJ Buildersp24

left and right fronts accompanied with rear surrounds and denitely a sub The larger the room the bigger the speakers and the more power is needed For bigger rooms it is always recommended to utilize two subwoofers and a receiver or an amplier with a processor for optimal performance Remember a theater is the ultimate place to unwind relax and entertain

Two things that are usually overlooked are proper ventilation and calibration Proper ventilation for both the viewers and the home theater components is very important because equipment will generate heat A well ventilated room will optimize the life of the equipment

and the movie experience

Finally calibration is the most important aspect of theater room A well calibrated room will enhance the total audio and video experience creating an ultra real picture and detail sound This will eliminate distortion and imperfections in the pictureWith a careful plan the right equipment and a few good guidelines to follow building your own home theater will be a fun and exciting project providing years of real theater enjoyment right at home

Contributing Writer Selene Diaz

SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

Dear Ole Deacutecor Reader

NIU urban living amp Casa Antiguaare full service interior design

showrooms delivering cutting edge contemporary home furnishings and interior design services to fulll your

innermost decorative needs

We strive to provide the very best modern home furnishings and create

stunning environments for our clients We invite you to explore your inner-self

at our showrooms

Come and enjoy special attentionwith immediate delivery

wwwcasaantiguainccomdesign

mario villela 9565621275

Located at

920 N Main St in McAllen TXPh 9566642333

1631 N 10th St in McAllen TXPh 9566642999

$amp()+-

$amp()amp+-$-amp-011$1-0121314-5(16

position will create an unforgettable and enjoyable experience

This brings us to the next point illumination Just as in a movie theatre avoid windows or any other source of natural light It is recommended to have dimmers so that you can control the amount of light in which you feel comfortable and still get the highest quality image

Next are the acoustical properties of the room

Geometrical form Rectangle is always better than square and domes are not very welcomed because they distort the sound wavesrsquo path If your room does not have the perfect shape donrsquot worry because you can make use of acoustic panels placed where needed to re-route the sound waves to the seating area Another option to help contain the sound is to add a ber optic panel to you ceiling This will not only help with the acoustics of the room but it will give a beautiful starry night eect Flooring Carpet is recommended over all other options because it reduces sound

reection and ensures proper sound absorption The density of the carpet is a factor to consider The thicker the carpet and padding the better sound absorption you will get

Ceilings Standard height between 8 ft to 10 ft is preferred because of two main reasons

1 The higher the ceiling the more power and you will need to ll the room with audio In other words if the area is open the sound waves have to travel further

2 If you want to use a projector you will need an extension pole to adjust to the screen height and to the viewersrsquo eyesight Extension poles are basically a tube that allows the projector to be mounted at any height but the pole is not invisible and you need to consider how you make it part of the decor

3 A great picture needs to be accompanied with great sound for the ultimate experience For the real theater experience you need a center channel

Opposite topbottom left Helping leading men Brad Pit amp your friendly neighborhood Spiderman look a little better Home Entertainmentp50

Center In the theater room is a 103 inch SI Black diamond screen with JVC DLA-RS2 home cinema 1080P HD projector that boasts a 300001 contrast ratio This high resolution image is incomplete without the a Marantz 71 - 135X7 watt system to output itrsquos crisp sound to the Niles Stage Front speakers and the awesome bass pumping subwoofer

BelowElegant red room theater seating and the latest in home audiovideo makes every movie a hit MCJ Buildersp24

left and right fronts accompanied with rear surrounds and denitely a sub The larger the room the bigger the speakers and the more power is needed For bigger rooms it is always recommended to utilize two subwoofers and a receiver or an amplier with a processor for optimal performance Remember a theater is the ultimate place to unwind relax and entertain

Two things that are usually overlooked are proper ventilation and calibration Proper ventilation for both the viewers and the home theater components is very important because equipment will generate heat A well ventilated room will optimize the life of the equipment

and the movie experience

Finally calibration is the most important aspect of theater room A well calibrated room will enhance the total audio and video experience creating an ultra real picture and detail sound This will eliminate distortion and imperfections in the pictureWith a careful plan the right equipment and a few good guidelines to follow building your own home theater will be a fun and exciting project providing years of real theater enjoyment right at home

Contributing Writer Selene Diaz

SUMMER 2010

$ SUMMER 2010

Dear Ole Deacutecor Reader

NIU urban living amp Casa Antiguaare full service interior design

showrooms delivering cutting edge contemporary home furnishings and interior design services to fulll your

innermost decorative needs

We strive to provide the very best modern home furnishings and create

stunning environments for our clients We invite you to explore your inner-self

at our showrooms

Come and enjoy special attentionwith immediate delivery

wwwcasaantiguainccomdesign

mario villela 9565621275

Located at

920 N Main St in McAllen TXPh 9566642333

1631 N 10th St in McAllen TXPh 9566642999

$amp()+-

$amp()amp+-$-amp-011$1-0121314-5(16

$ SUMMER 2010

Dear Ole Deacutecor Reader

NIU urban living amp Casa Antiguaare full service interior design

showrooms delivering cutting edge contemporary home furnishings and interior design services to fulll your

innermost decorative needs

We strive to provide the very best modern home furnishings and create

stunning environments for our clients We invite you to explore your inner-self

at our showrooms

Come and enjoy special attentionwith immediate delivery

wwwcasaantiguainccomdesign

mario villela 9565621275

Located at

920 N Main St in McAllen TXPh 9566642333

1631 N 10th St in McAllen TXPh 9566642999

$amp()+-

$amp()amp+-$-amp-011$1-0121314-5(16

SUMMER 2010

Sorteo Tec

amp SUMMER 2010

Un sutil equilibrio entre la fuerza y sobriedad de la tradicioacuten mexicana con un cierto aire minimalista es algo que podemos encontrar en las nuevas Casas del Tec Cuando se piensa en un hogar deseamos que sea ese lugar en donde disfrutemos de momentos de convivencia relax y confort ldquoHoy en diacutea las personas tienen un ritmo de vida muy acelerado esta casa esta precisamente disentildeada como un remanso de paz que te calma te desacelera y tranquiliza cada una de las aacutereas busca esa objetivordquo Seguacuten nos describe el Arquitecto Tito Camargo Hijar quien estuvo a cargo del proyecto del primer premio y que se dene asiacute mismo como un entusiasta admirador de la arquitectura contemporaacutenea por tanto obvia la etiqueta de ldquoestilordquo ya que seguacuten sus propias palabras ldquohablar de estilo es precisamente hablar de un romance pasajero que no responde a la eacutepoca en que se esta viviendordquo

Podemos entonces describir esta residencia como una casa atemporal que se niega a perecer ante los caprichos de la moda actual la cual pretende evolucionar para continuar otorgando los benecios fundamentales bajo los que fue concebida y que gracias a su capacidad camaleoacutenica pueda pertenecer a cualquier persona convirtieacutendose en la casa de los suentildeos de quien resulte el afortunado ganador

Ambos proyectos poseen un sin n de elementos esteacuteticos que exaltan su belleza como punto primordial en la residencia del primer premio podemos realzar la fachada de cristal la fuente de espejo que conduce a la enorme e impactante puerta principal de madera terrarios y fuentes interiores la terraza con alberca poseedora de una confortable aacuterea social un pasillo tipo puente en la segunda planta que distribuye a recamaras estancia y a una espectacular terraza elevada que encanta a la vista por si fuera poco se logra tambieacuten la anhelada sensacioacuten acogedora provista por el acertado disentildeo interior el cual se asocia de bella manera regalando un ldquoalgordquo especial a cada espacio sin resultar invasivo brinda vida mediante elementos ecleacutecticos

naturales ruacutesticos y de buen gusto Similares caracteriacutesticas encontramos en la residencia del segundo premio en la que la luminosidad amplitud funcionalidad e integracioacuten de los espacios son los principales ejes del disentildeo Asiacute es como Sorteo Tec nuevamente marca diferencia en cuanto a disentildeo estilo e innovacioacuten tecnoloacutegica al servicio del confort todo esto aunado al buen gusto que le caracteriza a las Casas del Tec

Es asiacute como despueacutes de 62 antildeos Sorteo Tec le invita a seguir colaborando con nosotros para mantener el suentildeo de miles de joacutevenes que luchan por una educacioacuten de calidad mediante becas infraestructura apoyo a proyectos sociales e investigacioacuten cientiacuteca lo cual daraacute como resultado un Meacutexico mejor

De antemano Sorteo Tec agradece de todo corazoacuten a compradores y colaboradores voluntarios que aportan su esfuerzo para que todo esto sea una realidad y los invita a que sigan participando por que con Sorteo Tec todos ganan

RecaacutemarasSe aprecia un gran disentildeo interior que logra crear espacios pulcros sumamente amplios y armoniosamente equilibrados otorgando la sensacioacuten de comodidad y un balance perfecto entre matices texturas y dimensiones que nunca intereren con las proporciones del proyecto arquitectoacutenico sino que le dan vida

En este caso todas las recamaras tienen ventanales con vista a la terraza posterior donde se aprecia el jardiacuten y la alberca

Aacutereas SocialesFluidez es la palabra que describe la manera en como se transita por la residencia una estructura sin complicaciones que permite apreciar la distribucioacuten del recinto y cada aacuterea da paso a la siguiente donde todas gozan de la luminosidad que brindan los vitrales frontales y posteriores que gracias a estos se obtienen beneciosos ahorros en cuanto a consumo de energiacutea eleacutectrica y gas debido a que proveen de iluminacioacuten gran parte del diacutea y mantienen ademaacutes la temperatura agradable dentro de la casa una de tantas bondades tecnoloacutegicas con que cuenta las bellas Casas del Tec

ExterioresSe nota una perfecta complicidad entre los materiales de construccioacuten (metal cristal y concreto) y los elementos naturales que aparecen recurrentemente en todo el recinto (agua maderas y piedra) El resultado es un recinto equilibrado en el que interior y exterior entran en comunioacuten siendo estos uacuteltimos puntos de reunioacuten focales para el goce y disfrute un escape del caoacutetico diacutea a diacutea

TEXTOS GDLCaraacutecter uacutenico y personalidad poseen las aacutereas de esta magnica residencia pero cuenta con variables especiacutecas que cumplen la funcioacuten de ldquohilo conductorrdquo entre ellas puede ser un color o forma un material recurrente o simplemente una textura que ayude a combinar los espacios

La formalidad y distincioacuten sin dejar de lado la liacutenea contemporaacutenea de su disentildeo arquitectoacutenico caracteriza a este recinto donde se procuraron conceptos para cada aacuterea otorgando un aire ldquoromaacutenticordquo a la recamara de jovencitas un sentido ldquopraacutecticordquo a la de joacutevenes de sosticacioacuten a la principal y de amplitud y calidez a las aacutereas de convivenciaTEXTOS Pto VALLARTA

Puntos de color mediante texturas maderas obscuras y textiles avivan los fondos blancos que prevalecen en este increiacuteble departamento donde cada mueble cada objeto tiene su funcioacuten denida sin importunar alguacuten otro

Formas simples y puras dando gran importancia al espacio una excelente opcioacuten para espiacuteritus innovadores que desean un toque de contemporaneidad resulta un gran aliado para personas que disfrutan de los espacios relajados

Un paraiacuteso mexicano donde es posible disfrutar la mezcla de belliacutesimos escenarios naturales y bellas playas logran armoniacutea con el auteacutentico sabor de un pueblo tiacutepico mexicano

Lucky Number 181COMFORT RELAX Y FUNCIONALIDADhellip EL HOGAR IDEAL

SUMMER 2010

( SUMMER 2010

$amp$()+)-+)amp$0+)1234

Sorteo Tec

amp SUMMER 2010

Un sutil equilibrio entre la fuerza y sobriedad de la tradicioacuten mexicana con un cierto aire minimalista es algo que podemos encontrar en las nuevas Casas del Tec Cuando se piensa en un hogar deseamos que sea ese lugar en donde disfrutemos de momentos de convivencia relax y confort ldquoHoy en diacutea las personas tienen un ritmo de vida muy acelerado esta casa esta precisamente disentildeada como un remanso de paz que te calma te desacelera y tranquiliza cada una de las aacutereas busca esa objetivordquo Seguacuten nos describe el Arquitecto Tito Camargo Hijar quien estuvo a cargo del proyecto del primer premio y que se dene asiacute mismo como un entusiasta admirador de la arquitectura contemporaacutenea por tanto obvia la etiqueta de ldquoestilordquo ya que seguacuten sus propias palabras ldquohablar de estilo es precisamente hablar de un romance pasajero que no responde a la eacutepoca en que se esta viviendordquo

Podemos entonces describir esta residencia como una casa atemporal que se niega a perecer ante los caprichos de la moda actual la cual pretende evolucionar para continuar otorgando los benecios fundamentales bajo los que fue concebida y que gracias a su capacidad camaleoacutenica pueda pertenecer a cualquier persona convirtieacutendose en la casa de los suentildeos de quien resulte el afortunado ganador

Ambos proyectos poseen un sin n de elementos esteacuteticos que exaltan su belleza como punto primordial en la residencia del primer premio podemos realzar la fachada de cristal la fuente de espejo que conduce a la enorme e impactante puerta principal de madera terrarios y fuentes interiores la terraza con alberca poseedora de una confortable aacuterea social un pasillo tipo puente en la segunda planta que distribuye a recamaras estancia y a una espectacular terraza elevada que encanta a la vista por si fuera poco se logra tambieacuten la anhelada sensacioacuten acogedora provista por el acertado disentildeo interior el cual se asocia de bella manera regalando un ldquoalgordquo especial a cada espacio sin resultar invasivo brinda vida mediante elementos ecleacutecticos

naturales ruacutesticos y de buen gusto Similares caracteriacutesticas encontramos en la residencia del segundo premio en la que la luminosidad amplitud funcionalidad e integracioacuten de los espacios son los principales ejes del disentildeo Asiacute es como Sorteo Tec nuevamente marca diferencia en cuanto a disentildeo estilo e innovacioacuten tecnoloacutegica al servicio del confort todo esto aunado al buen gusto que le caracteriza a las Casas del Tec

Es asiacute como despueacutes de 62 antildeos Sorteo Tec le invita a seguir colaborando con nosotros para mantener el suentildeo de miles de joacutevenes que luchan por una educacioacuten de calidad mediante becas infraestructura apoyo a proyectos sociales e investigacioacuten cientiacuteca lo cual daraacute como resultado un Meacutexico mejor

De antemano Sorteo Tec agradece de todo corazoacuten a compradores y colaboradores voluntarios que aportan su esfuerzo para que todo esto sea una realidad y los invita a que sigan participando por que con Sorteo Tec todos ganan

RecaacutemarasSe aprecia un gran disentildeo interior que logra crear espacios pulcros sumamente amplios y armoniosamente equilibrados otorgando la sensacioacuten de comodidad y un balance perfecto entre matices texturas y dimensiones que nunca intereren con las proporciones del proyecto arquitectoacutenico sino que le dan vida

En este caso todas las recamaras tienen ventanales con vista a la terraza posterior donde se aprecia el jardiacuten y la alberca

Aacutereas SocialesFluidez es la palabra que describe la manera en como se transita por la residencia una estructura sin complicaciones que permite apreciar la distribucioacuten del recinto y cada aacuterea da paso a la siguiente donde todas gozan de la luminosidad que brindan los vitrales frontales y posteriores que gracias a estos se obtienen beneciosos ahorros en cuanto a consumo de energiacutea eleacutectrica y gas debido a que proveen de iluminacioacuten gran parte del diacutea y mantienen ademaacutes la temperatura agradable dentro de la casa una de tantas bondades tecnoloacutegicas con que cuenta las bellas Casas del Tec

ExterioresSe nota una perfecta complicidad entre los materiales de construccioacuten (metal cristal y concreto) y los elementos naturales que aparecen recurrentemente en todo el recinto (agua maderas y piedra) El resultado es un recinto equilibrado en el que interior y exterior entran en comunioacuten siendo estos uacuteltimos puntos de reunioacuten focales para el goce y disfrute un escape del caoacutetico diacutea a diacutea

TEXTOS GDLCaraacutecter uacutenico y personalidad poseen las aacutereas de esta magnica residencia pero cuenta con variables especiacutecas que cumplen la funcioacuten de ldquohilo conductorrdquo entre ellas puede ser un color o forma un material recurrente o simplemente una textura que ayude a combinar los espacios

La formalidad y distincioacuten sin dejar de lado la liacutenea contemporaacutenea de su disentildeo arquitectoacutenico caracteriza a este recinto donde se procuraron conceptos para cada aacuterea otorgando un aire ldquoromaacutenticordquo a la recamara de jovencitas un sentido ldquopraacutecticordquo a la de joacutevenes de sosticacioacuten a la principal y de amplitud y calidez a las aacutereas de convivenciaTEXTOS Pto VALLARTA

Puntos de color mediante texturas maderas obscuras y textiles avivan los fondos blancos que prevalecen en este increiacuteble departamento donde cada mueble cada objeto tiene su funcioacuten denida sin importunar alguacuten otro

Formas simples y puras dando gran importancia al espacio una excelente opcioacuten para espiacuteritus innovadores que desean un toque de contemporaneidad resulta un gran aliado para personas que disfrutan de los espacios relajados

Un paraiacuteso mexicano donde es posible disfrutar la mezcla de belliacutesimos escenarios naturales y bellas playas logran armoniacutea con el auteacutentico sabor de un pueblo tiacutepico mexicano

Lucky Number 181COMFORT RELAX Y FUNCIONALIDADhellip EL HOGAR IDEAL

SUMMER 2010

( SUMMER 2010

$amp$()+)-+)amp$0+)1234

Un sutil equilibrio entre la fuerza y sobriedad de la tradicioacuten mexicana con un cierto aire minimalista es algo que podemos encontrar en las nuevas Casas del Tec Cuando se piensa en un hogar deseamos que sea ese lugar en donde disfrutemos de momentos de convivencia relax y confort ldquoHoy en diacutea las personas tienen un ritmo de vida muy acelerado esta casa esta precisamente disentildeada como un remanso de paz que te calma te desacelera y tranquiliza cada una de las aacutereas busca esa objetivordquo Seguacuten nos describe el Arquitecto Tito Camargo Hijar quien estuvo a cargo del proyecto del primer premio y que se dene asiacute mismo como un entusiasta admirador de la arquitectura contemporaacutenea por tanto obvia la etiqueta de ldquoestilordquo ya que seguacuten sus propias palabras ldquohablar de estilo es precisamente hablar de un romance pasajero que no responde a la eacutepoca en que se esta viviendordquo

Podemos entonces describir esta residencia como una casa atemporal que se niega a perecer ante los caprichos de la moda actual la cual pretende evolucionar para continuar otorgando los benecios fundamentales bajo los que fue concebida y que gracias a su capacidad camaleoacutenica pueda pertenecer a cualquier persona convirtieacutendose en la casa de los suentildeos de quien resulte el afortunado ganador

Ambos proyectos poseen un sin n de elementos esteacuteticos que exaltan su belleza como punto primordial en la residencia del primer premio podemos realzar la fachada de cristal la fuente de espejo que conduce a la enorme e impactante puerta principal de madera terrarios y fuentes interiores la terraza con alberca poseedora de una confortable aacuterea social un pasillo tipo puente en la segunda planta que distribuye a recamaras estancia y a una espectacular terraza elevada que encanta a la vista por si fuera poco se logra tambieacuten la anhelada sensacioacuten acogedora provista por el acertado disentildeo interior el cual se asocia de bella manera regalando un ldquoalgordquo especial a cada espacio sin resultar invasivo brinda vida mediante elementos ecleacutecticos

naturales ruacutesticos y de buen gusto Similares caracteriacutesticas encontramos en la residencia del segundo premio en la que la luminosidad amplitud funcionalidad e integracioacuten de los espacios son los principales ejes del disentildeo Asiacute es como Sorteo Tec nuevamente marca diferencia en cuanto a disentildeo estilo e innovacioacuten tecnoloacutegica al servicio del confort todo esto aunado al buen gusto que le caracteriza a las Casas del Tec

Es asiacute como despueacutes de 62 antildeos Sorteo Tec le invita a seguir colaborando con nosotros para mantener el suentildeo de miles de joacutevenes que luchan por una educacioacuten de calidad mediante becas infraestructura apoyo a proyectos sociales e investigacioacuten cientiacuteca lo cual daraacute como resultado un Meacutexico mejor

De antemano Sorteo Tec agradece de todo corazoacuten a compradores y colaboradores voluntarios que aportan su esfuerzo para que todo esto sea una realidad y los invita a que sigan participando por que con Sorteo Tec todos ganan

RecaacutemarasSe aprecia un gran disentildeo interior que logra crear espacios pulcros sumamente amplios y armoniosamente equilibrados otorgando la sensacioacuten de comodidad y un balance perfecto entre matices texturas y dimensiones que nunca intereren con las proporciones del proyecto arquitectoacutenico sino que le dan vida

En este caso todas las recamaras tienen ventanales con vista a la terraza posterior donde se aprecia el jardiacuten y la alberca

Aacutereas SocialesFluidez es la palabra que describe la manera en como se transita por la residencia una estructura sin complicaciones que permite apreciar la distribucioacuten del recinto y cada aacuterea da paso a la siguiente donde todas gozan de la luminosidad que brindan los vitrales frontales y posteriores que gracias a estos se obtienen beneciosos ahorros en cuanto a consumo de energiacutea eleacutectrica y gas debido a que proveen de iluminacioacuten gran parte del diacutea y mantienen ademaacutes la temperatura agradable dentro de la casa una de tantas bondades tecnoloacutegicas con que cuenta las bellas Casas del Tec

ExterioresSe nota una perfecta complicidad entre los materiales de construccioacuten (metal cristal y concreto) y los elementos naturales que aparecen recurrentemente en todo el recinto (agua maderas y piedra) El resultado es un recinto equilibrado en el que interior y exterior entran en comunioacuten siendo estos uacuteltimos puntos de reunioacuten focales para el goce y disfrute un escape del caoacutetico diacutea a diacutea

TEXTOS GDLCaraacutecter uacutenico y personalidad poseen las aacutereas de esta magnica residencia pero cuenta con variables especiacutecas que cumplen la funcioacuten de ldquohilo conductorrdquo entre ellas puede ser un color o forma un material recurrente o simplemente una textura que ayude a combinar los espacios

La formalidad y distincioacuten sin dejar de lado la liacutenea contemporaacutenea de su disentildeo arquitectoacutenico caracteriza a este recinto donde se procuraron conceptos para cada aacuterea otorgando un aire ldquoromaacutenticordquo a la recamara de jovencitas un sentido ldquopraacutecticordquo a la de joacutevenes de sosticacioacuten a la principal y de amplitud y calidez a las aacutereas de convivenciaTEXTOS Pto VALLARTA

Puntos de color mediante texturas maderas obscuras y textiles avivan los fondos blancos que prevalecen en este increiacuteble departamento donde cada mueble cada objeto tiene su funcioacuten denida sin importunar alguacuten otro

Formas simples y puras dando gran importancia al espacio una excelente opcioacuten para espiacuteritus innovadores que desean un toque de contemporaneidad resulta un gran aliado para personas que disfrutan de los espacios relajados

Un paraiacuteso mexicano donde es posible disfrutar la mezcla de belliacutesimos escenarios naturales y bellas playas logran armoniacutea con el auteacutentico sabor de un pueblo tiacutepico mexicano

Lucky Number 181COMFORT RELAX Y FUNCIONALIDADhellip EL HOGAR IDEAL

SUMMER 2010

( SUMMER 2010

$amp$()+)-+)amp$0+)1234

( SUMMER 2010

$amp$()+)-+)amp$0+)1234

)SUMMER 2010

Fine Art

Artline America IncMcAllen | 9566300076

Jackiersquos gallery is called Artline America and a typical gallery it is not Step into an eclectic array of paintings tapestries and framed shadow boxes lled with various objects drsquoarte Bring in your own treasure and choose from over 1000 custom framing possibilities If you canrsquot make up your mind right away think about your choices over a delicious home cooked lunch at the Masterpiece Cafeacute Artwork surrounds you as quiet jazz music plays in the background Jackiersquos laughter will be heard as she spends time tableside talking with any one of her loyal customers enjoying the afternoon at her restaurant and gallery One visit to this special place and yoursquoll go out of your way to come back

Port Isabel Great RoomsPort Isabel | 9569432629

ART+DKOR es una galeria donde el arte y Featuring a unique collection of decorative and ne art pieces custom selected by DINAH BOWMAN Large handcarved local shes limited edition prints and originals of seaside themed paintings

Featured artists include the award winning oils of Larry Felder Shrimp boats wharf scenes Port Isabel Lighthouse and local birds of the beach are photographically painted by this extremely talented artist ROBERT RUHMAN brings his vibrant watercolors of palm trees coastal scenes of the jetty and beach and the water birds found there tropical gardens and gates and classic still lifes Everytime you visit us you will see somethig new and dierent

House of FramesHarlingen | 4238282

This year the House of Frames celebrates itrsquos 43rd year serving the Harlingen and surrounding Cameron County areas We are proud to have Alice Keener still with us through all those years House of Frames Mission statements to serve our community with all wersquove got in exceptional and lasting frame design

Judy is our all-around-handle-everything-person and a wonderful framer to work with out front She and Alice really make things happen around here Over the years we have trained many students that have gone on to be framers in other areas of the country another mission of the House of Frames to educated and empower people to succeed and excel in the framing industry Stop by and visit us Irsquove always said that the best part of ANY framing job is out front with the customer

amp SUMMER 2010

ampSUMMER 2010

ampSUMMER 2010

amp SUMMER 2010

ampSUMMER 2010

amp$ SUMMER 2010

JC CervantesPANGEA Floor Coverings